Hopkins, MN Goes All Out for Paige Bueckers Day in Honor of Hometown Star’s WNBA Debut Against the Lynx

On May 16, 2025, the city of Hopkins, Minnesota, transformed into a vibrant celebration of basketball and community pride as it temporarily renamed itself “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” to honor the hometown hero’s WNBA debut. This unprecedented gesture highlighted the deep-rooted admiration for Paige Bueckers, a former Hopkins High School standout and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings.

The day was marked by a series of events that brought the community together to celebrate Bueckers’ remarkable journey from a local talent to a national sensation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially inaugurated the renamed city, with streets adorned with banners and signs bearing her name. Local businesses embraced the theme, offering special menu items such as the “Paige’s 3-Point Pale” ale at a nearby brewery and a custom sushi roll at a local restaurant .

A highlight of the day was the watch party held at Hopkins High School, where fans gathered to witness Bueckers take the court for the first time in a professional setting. The Dallas Wings faced the Minnesota Lynx in a season opener that held personal significance for Bueckers, as she played against her hometown team .

Despite the Wings’ 99-84 loss, Bueckers showcased her potential, scoring 10 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists in 30 minutes of play . Her performance was a testament to the hard work and dedication that have defined her career. Reflecting on the game, Bueckers acknowledged the challenges of her first professional outing, stating, “The first one’s always the hardest, usually. You have to have a starting point” .

The emotional resonance of the day was palpable, especially for Bueckers’ family. Her father, Bob Bueckers, attended the game and was visibly moved by the occasion. “I started crying,” he admitted, expressing his pride in his daughter’s achievements and the surreal experience of watching her play professionally .

For the residents of Hopkins, the celebration was more than just a tribute to an individual athlete; it was a collective acknowledgment of the community’s role in nurturing talent and fostering ambition. Mayor Patrick Hanlon encapsulated this sentiment, emphasizing that the day’s events were a reflection of the city’s pride in Bueckers’ accomplishments and the shared joy of her success .

As Bueckers embarks on her professional career, the support from her hometown serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of community and the importance of celebrating local heroes. The events of May 16, 2025, will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in both Bueckers’ journey and the history of Hopkins, Minnesota.

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